Fecal impaction

Definition

A fecal impaction is a large lump of dry, hard stool that remains stuck in the rectum. It is most often seen in patients with long-term constipation.

Alternative Names

Impaction of the bowels

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Constipation is when you are not passing stool as often as you normally do. Your stool becomes hard and dry, and it is difficult to pass.

Fecal impaction is often seen in people who have had constipation for a long time and have been using laxatives. Impaction is even more likely when the laxatives are stopped suddenly. The muscles of the intestines forget how to move stool or feces on their own.

Persons at risk for chronic constipation and fecal impaction include those who:

Do not move around much and spend most of their time in a chair or bed

Have diseases of the brain or nervous system that damage the nerves that go to the muscles of the intestines

Certain drugs slow the passage of stool through the bowels:

Anticholinergics, which affect the interaction between nerves and muscles of the bowel

Expectations (prognosis)

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Tell your health care provider if you are experiencing chronic diarrhea or fecal incontinence after a long period of constipation. Also notify your health care provider if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: